Law Enforcement, Policing and Investigation Degrees

Law enforcement is a major part of the criminal justice system. This area basically comprises of law enforcement agencies that enforce, regulate law, and capture criminals. The police department and border patrol is an example of a few of the main law enforcement agencies. These agencies can be found working at local, county, state, and federal level. Every society has a law enforcement sector that is working towards minimizing criminal activity. The field offers a wide range of career opportunities to individuals who want to serve their fellow citizens and help make the society a safer place to live in.

Law Enforcement Degrees

In the past few years, the demand for law enforcement degrees has increased. Many students are opting for careers in law enforcement. Institutes in all states that specialize in criminal justice education are now offering a wide range of law enforcement degree programs. This field can be studied at graduate, undergraduate, and non-degree level. The type of law enforcement degree a student aims for will determine his or her career ahead. It is also possible to pursue law enforcement degrees online.

Law enforcement degrees cover all major aspects of the field. As technological developments are constantly taking place, the complexity of law enforcement is increasing. It is important for students to understand the changing trends in law and how security measures are affected.

Students enrolled in a law enforcement degree will study a variety of courses. Each course covers a certain facet of the field and preps students with relevant knowledge and skill. Some of the subjects that are covered include criminology, criminal justice systems, law enforcement techniques, policing and probation, corrections, security issues, and criminal proceedings. The exact curriculum will depend upon the institute offering the program. Nowadays, many institutes are offering training along with theoretical study. This helps in allowing students to practically implement law enforcement techniques in simulated settings and acquire experience. By the end of the program, students will have a sound skill set and a broad understanding of the criminal justice system.

Career Opportunities

With a degree in law enforcement, a student can pick a career path in any law enforcement agency. Police officer jobs are among the most popular law enforcement careers. Students can apply for training in a police academy and prepare themselves for a job in this field. Apart from this, probation officer jobs are also chosen by many individuals. These are trained professionals who supervise convicts and are usually found working in state and federal prisons. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for police officers and probation officers in 2010 was $55,010 and $47,200. The demand for law enforcement officers can vary but is generally positive as security is still a concern. The diversity and complexity of criminal activity requires such professionals to be highly skilled and trained. This career choice can be suitable for individuals who want to work in the criminal justice department and law enforcement.